SBG Systems introduces Quanta UAV, a New Line of INS/GNSS Systems

SBG Systems has introduced its newest line of INS/GNSS systems for dronebased surveying integrators. Quanta UAV and Quanta UAV Extra are small, lightweight, low-power inertial navigation systems that offer two different levels of accuracy. They’re developed for compact LiDAR to high-end beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) mapping solutions. Both offer precise orientation and centimeter level position data that’s available in real time and for post-processing.

Because they’re direct geo-referencing solutions, there’s no need for ground control points or overlapping. They also can be used as high-end navigation solutions to feed the UAV autopilot. Tight integration with inhouse IMUs, advanced calibration techniques and algorithms help ensure consistent behavior in all weather conditions, as well as a robust position even if the drone gets too close to buildings, electrical lnes, or trees.

The Quanta UAV line comes with Qinertia, SBG’s post-processing software. The software gives users access to offline RTK corrections from more than 7,000 base stations located in 164 countries. Trajectory and orientation are improved by processing inertial data and raw GNSS observables in forward and backward directions. www.sbg-systems.com

Solar 360 thermal drone solution by senseFly

senseFly has introduced its new senseFly Solar 360. Created in collaboration with software company Raptor Maps, this new offering is a uniquely efficient thermal drone solution that enables the automatic assessment of solar plant performance at a sub-module level. Created by combining eBee X fixedwing drone technology, senseFly’s Duet T thermal mapping camera, and Raptor Maps’ ground-breaking software, it is a fast and fully-automated solution. It is easily integrated into solar management workflows without requiring either drone piloting skills or the manual analysis of aerial solar farm data. www.sensefly.com

Fortem Technologies and Unifly collaborate to keep airspace safe

Fortem Technologies, Inc. and Unifly will collaborate to develop a joint airspace safety and security solution for a drone-enabled society. This new end-to-end solution will allow UTM and U-space architectures to be used by public safety officers, military groups and other government agencies to secure airspace around critical infrastructure, airports, stadiums, public venues and more.

Drone Workforce Solutions (DWS) launches oGlobal Drone Pilot Portal

Drone Workforce Solutions, LLC (DWS) has announced the launch of a one-of-akind digital database that connects certified drone pilots with corporate business and government partners around the world. The Drone Workforce Solutions Pilot Portal will offer potential clients access to the most experienced and talented pool of drone operators the industry has to offer. Under Drone Workforce Solutions’ comprehensive vetting system, all American pilots will have passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 exam.This vetting system offers corporate and government partners the comfort of knowing they are hiring highly-qualified pilots who can supply a diverse range of drone services. The Portal is now available.

Europe’s first hydrogen drone doubles flight time

Europe’s first hydrogen-powered drone has successfully doubled its maximum flight time thanks to a cylinder from UK-based AMS Composite Cylinders. The e-Drone Zero, launched by Estoniabased Skycorp back in January, is a long endurance quadcopter designed for the commercial market. It features a compact, custom military grade frame, and is powered by a unique, air cooled hydrogen fuel cell module developed by Intelligent Energy. The system is managed by one of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) operating systems around. AMS said this is one of the lightest cylinders of its kind in the world today – providing double the gas capacity of the previous e-Drone Zero cylinder, whilst increasing the system weight by just 600g.

UAVOS launched advanced data link for unmanned systems

UAVOS Inc. has released the pMDDLRadio Data Link, an advanced UAV communication system aimed at the unmanned systems market. It is an easy plug & play device, which gives a solution that packages all drone communication into a single RF channel, except using separate solutions for control, telemetry and payload, thereby reducing the cost and weight. The system uses open architecture and enables full duplex wideband digital link, error correction techniques and highrate communication in the Uplink (UPL) and Downlink (DNL) channels. Having a weight of 50g, dimensions 90x65x20mm (23g & 40x50x12mm, without enclosure), and power transmission of up to 1 Watts, the pMDDLRadio is ideal for UAV, UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles), and other robotic applications. www.uavos.com

NextCore release new RN Series UAV LiDAR scanner

Airsight has announced it’s first NextCore LiDAR Unit, built specifically for the DJI M600. The RN50 comes as a payload only option and allows operators who already have access to suitable GNSS data to use their existing base station equipment or RINEX subscriptions to process accurate LiDAR datasets. Through improved production methods, increased demand and a move away from a propriety GNSS base the RN series effectively halves the price of the previous version. www.nextcore.com

Centre for drone development soon at IIT Hyderabad

Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, Terra Drone India and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, have signed a pact to establish a first-of-its-kind Centre of Excellence for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India and will be set up at IIT Hyderabad. www.business-standard.com